What is Pin Grading?
Enamel pins are handcrafted products created through a multi-step manufacturing process. While every effort is made to achieve the highest quality possible, the nature of handcrafted production means that no two pins are ever completely identical or absolutely perfect.
As designers, we have very little control over the manufacturing process itself. It is only after the pins have been produced and delivered that we are able to individually inspect, quality check, and grade each one.
A pin's assigned grade reflects its overall condition and determines its suitability for sale. During inspection, every pin is carefully assessed based on its overall appearance, taking into account the type, severity, location, and visibility of any manufacturing imperfections. Each pin is then assigned the grade that most accurately reflects its overall quality.
Because pin grading is inherently subjective, every artist and pin maker establishes their own grading standards and criteria. The grading system outlined below reflects the standards I personally use when inspecting my own products. Unless otherwise stated, all pins sold through my shop are individually hand-graded.
Please bear in mind that minor imperfections are an inherent characteristic of handcrafted enamel pins and should be expected, even among the highest-quality pieces. The imperfections that fall within the standards of an assigned grade are considered normal characteristics of handcrafted enamel pins. They are not regarded as manufacturing defects unless otherwise stated in this policy or in our Terms of Service. Accordingly, they do not qualify as grounds for replacement, exchange, or refund.
I reserve the right to adjust these grading standards when necessary to reflect the overall manufacturing quality of a particular production batch.
✦ STANDARD GRADE (A GRADE)
Standard Grade pins represent the highest general quality available from a production run and are the grade most collectors can expect to receive.
These pins are suitable for both display and everyday collection.
Although considered the best of the batch, minor surface variations may still be present.
Examples of acceptable imperfections include:
Metal- Very light scratches, scuffs, or pinpricks that do not significantly affect the face of the pin
- Minor polishing marks
- Minimal tarnishing or oxidation
- Small metal flecks or manufacturing residue
- Very small areas of underfill
- Tiny dust specks trapped beneath the enamel
- Extremely small areas of slight discoloration that do not affect the overall appearance
- Very minor variations in screen printing or UV printing
- Small alignment differences that are only noticeable upon close inspection
Every Standard Grade pin is lightly polished during quality checking to remove manufacturing residue wherever possible.
✦ BEST OF
(EDITED: 07/17/2026)
This category encompasses Standard/A Grades to Midgrades (for simpler reference, these pins lean more towards "A-" than "B+"). While still being the best of the batch, their noticeable flaws fall within the lower end of the Standard/A Grade spectrum.
Pins in this category are intended for collectors who are comfortable with these minor imperfections, and who recognize that even the highest quality pieces are rarely completely flawless.
Best Of orders are fulfilled primarily using Standard/A Grade pins selected from the best available stock. If the remaining Standard/A Grade pool is insufficient to fulfill all Best Of orders, carefully selected Midgrade pins may be used to complete the allocation.
In the event that there are insufficient pins meeting the Best Of standard due to manufacturing defects or production shortages, affected orders may be placed on hold while replacement pins are remanufactured. Customers will be notified promptly should this occur.
✦ MIDGRADE
Midgrades occupy the space between Standard Grade and B Grade.
These pins remain excellent collector pieces but possess one or more imperfections that are slightly more noticeable than those accepted for Standard Grade.
While technically still meeting my standards for collector-quality pins, these imperfections are visible enough that I prefer to distinguish them as their own category.
Examples may include:
Metal
- Slightly more noticeable scratches or scuffs
- More visible plating inconsistencies
- More noticeable underfill
- Small areas of color inconsistency
- Slightly more visible print alignment issues
- Minor print defects that do not significantly affect the artwork
As a general rule, if the flaw does not substantially affect either the face of the pin or the overall presentation of the design, it will usually be classified as either Standard Grade or Midgrade rather than B Grade.
Many collectors choose Midgrades as an excellent balance between appearance and value.
✦ B GRADE
Because my designs are often highly detailed, they naturally have a greater number of opportunities for manufacturing imperfections to occur.
B Grade pins contain more noticeable cosmetic flaws than Midgrades but remain fully functional and highly presentable.
These pins are ideal for everyday wear, ita bags, conventions, or collectors who do not mind visible manufacturing imperfections.
Interestingly, many collectors actively seek B Grade pins because they appreciate the unique character that these imperfections give each piece — what some affectionately refer to as their "battle scars."
Examples may include:
Metal- Moderate scratches, scuffs, gouges, or marks
- Missing or incomplete metal lines
- Noticeable tarnishing or oxidation
- Visible manufacturing residue
- Moderate or wide areas of underfill
- Small areas with missing enamel
- Noticeable discoloration
- Missing or incomplete screen printing
- Noticeable print misalignment
Anti-tarnish oils occasionally applied by the manufacturer may also be present. These are part of the manufacturing process and are not applied by me during quality checking.
Please note: B Grade pins are sold specifically because of their disclosed cosmetic imperfections. By purchasing a B Grade pin, you acknowledge and accept its assigned quality grade.
✦ C GRADE
C Grade represents the most visibly flawed pins within a production batch.
While these pins remain wearable and collectible, they possess significant cosmetic imperfections that prevent them from meeting my standards for higher grades.
Examples may include:
Metal- Deep scratches, dents, gouges, or missing metal
- Large areas of oxidation or discoloration
- Multiple or extensive areas of underfill
- Missing enamel
- Cracked enamel
- Missing printing
- Severe print defects
- Heavy manufacturing residue
- Large stains or anti-tarnish oils that cannot be removed
- Missing backstamp
Please note: C Grades are sold at a reduced price due to significant cosmetic imperfections. By purchasing a C Grade pin, you acknowledge and accept these imperfections.
✦ Additional Notes
Back of the Pin
The reverse side of the pin is not considered during grading unless the defect is exceptionally severe.
Minor discoloration, scratches, plating imperfections, or manufacturing marks on the back of the pin do not affect its assigned grade, as these areas are generally not visible during display or wear.
Cleaning & Polishing
Each pin is lightly polished during quality checking to remove fingerprints, dust, and manufacturing residue wherever possible.
Please note that anti-tarnish oils occasionally found on pins originate from the manufacturer and are not applied by me.
Pin Clasps
Pins may be supplied with either rubber clasps or metal butterfly clasps depending on available stock.
Because clasps are interchangeable and are not considered part of the artistic design, the clasp type may vary and is not guaranteed unless specifically stated on the product listing.
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